Game Theory Podcast

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to go through all the winner & losers at this year's NBA Trade Deadline!3:35 Mark Williams traded to Lakers for Knecht and a first. What now?32:52 Brandon Ingram to Raptors for Bruce Brown, Olynyk and a 1st49:05 Cavaliers get De'Andre Hunter! Cleveland going for it!1:01:15 Atlanta trades Hunter and Bogdanovic, what happened here?1:14:45 WTF Phoenix Suns?1:24:20 Memphis Grizzlies and Marcus Smart deal1:30:35 Winners and Losers of the DeadlineCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / BLUESKY / THREADSSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "GAMETHEORY" TO GET $50 INSTANTLY AFTER YOU PLAY YOUR FIRST $5 LINEUP! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In yet another EMERGENCY TRADE REACTION edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to react to Jimmy Butler being traded to the Golden State Warriors in a trade package for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a first round pick. They also discuss Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas to Sacramento deal & Caleb Martin to Dallas for Quentin Grimes & several others deals that have happened, as well as what could still happen before Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline.2:40 Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors37:30 Lonzo Ball extension!40:55 Milwaukee Bucks trade Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap for Kyle Kuzma 59:30 Quentin Grimes to Philadelphia for Caleb Martin1:08:00 Jonas Valanciunas to Sacramento from Wizards1:15:15 Grab bag of deals and players available1:24:55 Grades for Jimmy Butler TradeCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTO

In another EMERGENCY TRADE REACTION edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to react to the 3-team deal involving the Kings, Spurs & Bulls that sent De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio & Zach Lavine to Sacramento.02:55 - TRADE DETAILS: Fox to SAS, Lavine/picks to SAC, Huerter/pick to CHI04:09 - Sam & Bryce full trade reaction12:10 - How well does De'Aaron Fox fit with Victor Wembanyama?21:49 - Did the Kings get better/enough back in this deal?40:46 - Where does this leave the Bulls after FINALLY trading Zach Lavine?57:16 - Grades for all 3 teams involved in this trade59:28 - NEWS: Jimmy Butler unwilling to sign extension with Warriors1:14:43 - SUPERCHATS!1:24:57 - Bulls long history of incompetenceCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / BLUESKY / THREADSSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "GAMETHEORY" TO

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon for continued reaction to the stunning Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. They also break down All-Star selections from this past week, highlighting who they believe were the correct picks as well as which players were potentially snubbed.(NOTE: Recorded before the Kings/Spurs/Bulls trade that sent De'Aaron Fox to SA & Zach Lavine to SAC. Part 2 with full reaction to that deal dropping on the Game Theory Podcast feed later!)'02:15 - Bryce reacts to the stunning Luka/AD trade11:22 - Was Nico Harrison afraid of Luka's contract situation that didn't exist?!37:39 - How good are the Mavericks now w/ Anthony Davis?43:39 - Luka bids farewell to Dallas50:02 - Bryce makes THREE statements in reaction to this trade58:16 - What do the Lakers still need to do ahead of Thursday's deadline?1:11:55 - SUPERCHATS1:26:30 - 2025 NBA Allstar Picks & Snubs!1:42:30 - THE REC CENTER1:46:26 - Upcoming Programming Sche

In this EMERGENCY EDITION of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Andrew Claudio (GMAC) to react to the STUNNING news that Luka Doncic has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks. What in the world just happened? Oh yeah, Anthony Davis just got traded, too. Huh?1:20 - BREAKING NEWS (Full Trade Details)3:27 - Why would the Mavericks trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis????38:15 - What do the Lakers do next after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic????54:13 - What does trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic mean for Lebron James & his future in Los Angeles?1:01:20 - What backup center options are there for the Lakers now that they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic?1:19:09 - SUPERCHATS!CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / BLUESKY / THREADSSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "GAMETHEORY" TO GET $50

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Jason Timpf to discuss De'Aaron Fox trade rumors & potential landing spots!01:21 - REPORT: The Sacramento Kings are ready to "gage the market" for a De'Aaron Fox trade (REACTION)11:05 - An evaluation of De'Aaron Fox & what makes him good/worth trading for.20:42 - Why SHOULD the San Antonio Spurs trade for De'Aaron Fox?29:54 - Why SHOULDN'T the San Antonio Spurs trade for De'Aaron Fox?39:55 - TRADE PROPOSAL: Fox to the Kings45:20 - TRADE PROPOSAL: Fox to the Rockets48:24 - Would the Kings trade Fox to the Lakers?50:39 - Why SHOULD or SHOULDN'T the Rockets trade for De'Aaron Fox?1:02:19 - Quick break to sing the praises of Amen Thompson1:09:20 - What other NBA teams should or shouldn't be interested?1:17:30 - Should the Kings wait until the summer to get a deal done?CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / BLUESKY / THREADSSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNER

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to go through 10 different NBA rookies & giving their midseason evaluations, before being joined by GMAC for another edition of Trivia & "The Rec Center!"01:57 - Rookie Class as a Whole07:39 - Kel’el Ware18:29 - Alex Sarr29:38 - Bub Carrington39:04 - Yves Missi48:23 - Donovan Clingan57:25 - Ryan Dunn1:01:45 - Jaylen Wells1:09:23 - Ron Holland1:18:37 - Zaccarie Risacher1:24:16 - Jamal Shead1:29:07 - Stephon Castle (Honorable Mentions)1:37:46 - Trivia1:57:03 - The Rec CenterCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW GAME THEORY ON SOCIAL: TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / BLUESKY / THREADSSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "GAMETHEORY" TO GET $50 INSTANTLY AFTER YOU PLAY YOUR FIRST $5 LINEUP! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Kyle Mann to discuss the 2025 NBA Draft before being joined by Bryce Simon to discuss the latest developments in the potential Jimmy Butler trade out of Miami to the Phoenix Suns.CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW SAM - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW KYLE - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW BRYCE - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW GMAC - TWITTER / BLUESKY / LETTERBOXDSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "GAMETHEORY" TO GET $50 INSTANTLY AFTER YOU PLAY YOUR FIRST $5 LINEUP! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to go through several different teams, players & trade scenarios that intrigue them the most ahead of the February 6th NBA trade deadline!03:49 - Cooper Flagg check-in after Duke vs Boston College15:36 - 10 Most Interesting Teams Heading Into The NBA Trade Deadline (PREVIEW)16:30 - HONORABLE MENTION: Atlanta Hawks18:28 - HONORABLE MENTION: Indiana Pacers21:30 - Chicago Bulls34:40 - Phoenix Suns/Miami Heat54:46 - Memphis Grizzlies1:07:33 - Los Angeles Lakers1:16:55 - Golden State Warriors1:26:17 - Cleveland Cavaliers1:38:47 - Detroit Pistons1:46:31 - Sacramento Kings1:58:02 - Philadelphia 76ers2:09:40 - Minnesota Timberwolves2:37:35 - TRIVIA w/ GMAC!CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW SAM - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW BRYCE - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW GMAC - TWITTER / BLUESKY / LETTERBOXDSPONSORS: VISIT OUR PARTNERS OVER AT PRIZEPICKS TO GO SUPPORT THE SHOW! DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY AND USE CODE "

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to go through all the major NBA awards & make their selections through exactly 1/2 of the season!02:11 - Midseason Awards! (Why Bryce hates this excercise)05:07 - Suns acquire Nick Richards from Hornets for Josh Okogie15:24 - Ineligible players17:55 - Top 5 MVP/1st Team All-NBA48:17 - 2nd Team All-NBA1:03:15 - 3rd Team All-NBA1:26:45 - Defensive Player of the Year1:33:24 - All Defensive Teams2:01:21 - Sixth Man of the Year2:09:21 - All Rookie Teams2:14:23 - Coach of the Year2:18:54 - Most Improved Player2:26:11 - Recommendation CornerCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW SAM - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW BRYCE - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW GMAC - TWITTER / BLUESKYSPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https:/

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to break down the top 10 teams in the NBA, including the Cavaliers, Celtics, Thunder and Knicks. But first, they talk about Zion Williamson.04:18 - Zion Williamson SUSPENDED for missing team flight; season from hell for NOLA continues30:24 - GAME THEORY POWER RANKINGS (Intro)31:44 - #10, Orlando Magic39:25 - #9, Dallas Mavericks47:28 - #8, Milwaukee Bucks55:13 - #7, Denver Nuggets1:04:26 - #6, Memphis Grizzlies1:14:18 - #5, Houston Rockets1:22:41 - #4, New York Knicks (w/ GMAC!)1:40:05 - #3, Boston Celtics1:49:46 - #2, Oklahoma City Thunder1:58:49 - #1, Cleveland Cavaliers2:13:52 - TRIVIA TIME!2:33:01 - Recommendation CornerCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!FOLLOW SAM - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW BRYCE - TWITTER / BLUESKYFOLLOW GMAC - TWITTER / BLUESKYSPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you p

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon for a 2025 NBA MOCK DRAFT! (January Edition). Where do Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Cooper Flagg, Egor Demin, and others get picked? Tune in to find out!CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to talk about the fun weekend of basketball that included the Nikola Jokic playing Victor Wembanyama twice, the Pistons maybe being good, the Suns maybe being bad, and more.CHAPTERS6:45 Quick Jimmy Butler takes14:30 The Jokic-Wemby Bowls were GREAT this weekend!40:10 Phoenix Suns might be a total mess?1:11:30 The Detroit Pistons...might be good?!?!1:39:15 Egor Demin thoughts1:43:20 Will Riley, W, Illinois1:45:50 Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina1:48:30 Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown1:54:05 JoJo Tugler, F, Houston1:55:20 Johni Broome and Bigs in the back half of the first round and why it's good now1:58:00 Noah Penda, F, Le Mans2:00:15 Jeremiah Fears, G, OklahomaCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit t

For a quick special edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie is joined by Nekias Duncan of The Dunkers Spot to break down everything Jimmy Butler after Butler has asked for a trade from the Miami Heat and been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.3:10 Jimmy Butler suspended, Heat say they will listen to trades5:00 Can Jimmy Butler still swing a title race in 2025?7:00 Why Jimmy's contract is a complicating factor13:15 What do you think Miami is trying to accomplish in a Jimmy Butler trade (with quick Houston Rockets thoughts)21:00 Has Jimmy Butler overplayed his hand here?27:30 What teams make the most sense for Jimmy Butler?31:40 Sacramento Kings?34:40 Phoenix Suns?35:30 Denver Nuggets?37:00 San Antonio Spurs?37:30 Memphis Grizzlies?46:35 Oklahoma City Thunder?47:05 Golden State Warriors?52:30 Why this stinks that this is how it's ending for Jimmy in Miami?56:00 Miscellaneous Jimmy Questions1:01:30 Random NBA musings with Nekias! CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY

Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to break down the Cleveland Cavaliers blistering start, the Jaden Ivey injury, and All-Stars so far this season.CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Vecenie is here with Bryce Simon and we're going to break down the D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith the Los Angeles Lakers and Nets swung on Sunday with the Brooklyn Nets. Also, the Kings fired Mike Brown, Luka Doncic got hurt on Christmas, and the Christmas Day games set new narratives across the NBA! All that and moreCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by his colleague at The Athletic Dave DuFour to dive into the De'Aaron Fox rumors around the league that the Kings are entering the "Danger Zone" with him. Then they talk a bit about the Timberwolves and how they've entered a bit of a danger zone themselves with Mike Conley and Julius Randle not performing. Finally, Sam wants to talk to Dave about the NBA and if it's actually worse now.CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is joined by Bryce Simon to react to the NBA Cup final between the Bucks & Thunder before discussing Denver's interest in trading for Zach Lavine from Chicago & answering questions about the 2025 NBA Draft!CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORY This episode of Game Theory is brought to you by BETTER HELP. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give Better Help a try. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/GAMETHEORY today to get 10 percent off your first month. DUER is Built for Doing, with styles of stretch performance denim and lifestyle apparel for everyone in every season. Right now, my listeners get 20% off your first purchase when you use my ex

In this edition of Game Theory, Sam Vecenie is here with Bryce Simon to break down the Dennis Schroder deal to Golden State, the Paul Reed waiver and what it could mean for Detroit's future, the NBA Cup and the Thunder-Rockets game, along with the 76ers no-good, very bad year of Injuries.CHAPTERS:02:13 - December movie recommendations w/ Bryce06:25 - Bucks vs Hawks Recap17:30 - Thunder vs Rockets Recap34:55 - NBA CUP FINAL PREVIEW: Bucks vs Thunder44:00 - Dennis Schroder traded from Brooklyn to the Golden State Warriors55:30 - Paul Reed released by the Detroit Pistons1:05:27 - Philadelphia 76ers lose rookie Jared McCain & Joel Embiid (again); season from hell continues1:27:40 - A conversation about Ace Bailey; nitpicking or fair evaluation1:50:56 - TRIVIA TIME w/ GMACCHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON THE GAME THEORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!SPONSORS: Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your fir

Jimmy Butler has found himself in the middle of trade rumors again! Come join Bryce Simon and Sam Vecenie and they break down the constructions that work or don't work, and whether or not we buy it. Then, we'll revisit the Mikal Bridges trade with help from Andrew Claudio AKA GMAC of this show and Knicks Film School. Then we'll talk a bit about the NBA Cup and what we expect over the weekend!Visit our partners over at PRIZEPICKS to go support the show! Download the app today and use code GAMETHEORY to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Use the code GAMETHEORY or visit this link to sign up: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/GAMETHEORYThis episode of Game Theory is brought to you by BETTER HELP. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give Better Help a try. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/GAMETHEORY today to get 10 percent off your first month.DUER is Built for Doing, with styles of stretch performance denim and lifestyle apparel for everyone in every season. Right now, my listeners get 20% o